The Amsterdam school landscape
Amsterdam's international school market has two distinct tiers. DAIS-subsidised schools (Dutch International Schools) like the Amsterdam International Community School (AICS), International School Hilversum Alberdingk Thijm, and Het 4e Gymnasium charge $4K-$8K per year and admit children of registered expats and Dutch nationals working abroad. Private international schools like the British School of Amsterdam (BSA), International School of Amsterdam (ISA), and Amity International charge $20K-$32K per year and admit anyone.
Eligibility for DAIS-subsidised schools is the most important factor in any Amsterdam school search. Eligibility is typically tied to the parent's role (e.g., posted by a foreign employer or spending less than 50% of work time in the Netherlands), not nationality.
Are you eligible for DAIS-subsidised schooling?
Eligibility rules are nuanced and tied to your work status. Our guide explains who qualifies, application timing and how to apply.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Amsterdam South (Zuid) is the heart of expat family life with BSA, ISA Amstelveen and AICS South nearby. Amstelveen is the suburban expat zone with several international schools. Amsterdam Oud-Zuid appeals to families wanting central living near Vondelpark. Hilversum, 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, hosts the highly-rated International School Hilversum. Read our guide to living in Amstelveen with international schools. Read our guide to living in Oud-Zuid with international schools. For a modern, family friendly waterfront district, read our guide to living in IJburg with international schools. For a green, well connected district east of the centre, read our guide to living in Amsterdam Oost with international schools. For the modern southern business district near ISA and the British School, read our guide to living in Zuidas with international schools. For a lively central base near the Sarphatipark, read our guide to living in De Pijp with international schools. For a central canal quarter west of the centre, read our guide to living in Jordaan with international schools.
